Comic and pop-culture lovers are expected to dress up and come out for the second annual Greenville North Carolina Comic Con on Aug. 4.

The event will run from from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.at the Greenville Convention Center, and will feature comics, artists, cosplay, collectibles, a costume contest, a chance to see favorite characters and more.

The weekend kicks off with a pre-show event on Aug. 3 from 8-11 p.m. at Trollingwood Taproom & Brewery. The evening will feature comic and cosplay artist Brian Wingrove, funny books, locally brewed beer and live music from local instro-surf rock band The Out of Limits.

Costumes are not required, but are encouraged. Anyone in costume at the show will get a chance to spin a prize wheel to win free tickets to Saturday’s comic con event or other prizes.

On Aug. 4, prepare for the zombie apocalypse with featured guests including AMC’s The Walking Dead actress Amber Dawn Fox (Officer Bello) and actor Brandon Hardison, who portrayed both a Savior and a Walker.

Also appearing will be Louis Small Jr, a premier illustrator of “Good Girl Arts” and co-creator/owner of sexy super spy character Codename: Knockout.

Attendees can meet and discuss their favorite comics with writers and artists, shop for rare comics and collectibles from more than 50 vendors, and compete for trophies and cash for the best costumes in kids, teen, and adult categories.

A cosplay group photo for all costumed attendees will take place at 3 p.m., followed by the costume contest at 3:30. A raffle drawing at 4:30 p.m. will benefit the Eastern Exotics Wildlife Foundation, which will be on site to raise awareness for conservation science with live animals including a boa constrictor, alligator, and more for petting and photo opportunities.

The 501st Star Wars reenactment group will stage a galactic battle, and a Storm Trooper and Mandalorian Merc will be guarding a jail to help raise money for charity.

The Variant, a collective of writers, photographers, and fans of comic book culture, in partnership with Tomisina Lynn Portrait Photography will be on hand to provide free fun photos for attendees at their customized cosplay photobooth.

“We are so happy to see this much excitement for the second Greenville N.C. Comic Con,” said Sherry Deel, Greenville Comic Con Organizer. “The potential for this show’s growth is amazing and we can't wait untill we can turn it into a two-day show.”

Admission is $6 for adults (13 and older), $3 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for children ages 3 and younger. All ages are welcome at the event, Deel said.